Foster supports Londonderry's bid for City of Culture

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster pledged her support for Londonderry’s bid to become the UK’s City of Culture at ILEX, in Londonderry, today.

Londonderry is one of the four shortlisted cities vying for the 2013 title along with Birmingham, Norwich and Sheffield.

Speaking at the ILEX Business Lunch in Londonderry, the Minister said: “The City of Culture competition is a fantastic opportunity for Londonderry to showcase its cultural offering to an international audience and for the city to display its wealth of creative and artistic talent.

“A successful bid could bring any number of social, physical and economic benefits not just to Londonderry but to the whole of Northern Ireland.”

She added: “Tourism is a key economic driver for Northern Ireland, and the growth in cultural tourism undoubtedly attracts additional investment in our economy. The City of Culture initiative provides the platform to increase the profile and interest in cultural events and activities, as well as attracting new visitors and creating opportunities to market NI to new audiences.”

The Minister said the Walled City, as one of the NI Tourist Board’s five Signature Projects, was already recognised as an area with great potential to create international standout for Northern Ireland.

Arlene Foster continued: “Work continues on the implementation of the second phase of the Walled City Project. This includes key elements such as a built heritage programme, a lighting strategy, a conservation and management plan for the historic walls along with a business and cultural animation programme.

As part of the Built Heritage Programme work has started on both the First Derry Presbyterian Church and Saint Columb’s Cathedral. The Aras Colmcille complex and the Playhouse Theatre have already been completed under Phase 1 of the Walled City project, while plans for the Guildhall and the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall remain under consideration.

“These projects will help tell the story of the city from Monastic Gaelic life through to contemporary history and will enhance its image as well as providing a welcome boost for the local economy,” she added.

The Minister went on to outline the ongoing support provided by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment and Invest Northern Ireland to the economy in the North West.

Arlene Foster said: “A significant amount of operational activity in relation to job promotion, creation and safeguarding and interaction with businesses is carried out on behalf of my Department through its agencies Invest NI and NI Tourist Board.

“In the seven year period from 2002/03 – 2008/09, support from Invest NI totalled just under £79million of assistance, which contributed towards planned investment of nearly £387million.

“Project Kelvin, the €30m Direct International Connectivity flagship project, is nearing completion and offers the potential to attract further investment in the whole of Northern Ireland. Businessmen and entrepreneurs can now look to the future where there will be a new wealth of capacity and the ability to directly and securely connect to Canada, US, GB and mainland Europe.”

Paying tribute to ILEX and the dynamic approach which had been taken to the city, the Minister concluded: “The regeneration of Londonderry can stand as an example to other cities and towns of what can be achieved if the public and private sectors work together towards a common goal.”

Notes to editors:

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